MBA++Blood Angels 5th Company - into the Leviathan's maw

[Kolgrim DeathHowl]

Looking forward to seeing more work done of them!

[Majkhel]

A small update - RL has impeded my hobby a lot recently. Still, I managed to sort out base colors and shading on the first 6 dudes. Helix Adept also got a spare metal Apothecary backpack. This allows me to use his original one on the additional guy made from the EtB Reiver (because the goal is to have 2x5man squad plus the Helix Adept).

The whole lot:

And here is the reiver guy (with arms from the "shooting" EtB Infiltrator)

The only modification needed was the filing of one grenade on the right breast to allow space for the gun-holding arm. Then there was the obvious head-swap and adding 2 more grenades to the left breast to compensate for the lost one. He also got a pistol handle for his otherwise empty holster.

Now the slow grind of highlights will commence.

[Xenith]

Nice idea. I'm still working out how I want to organise my infiltrators - I don't see how to do it without a spare model. I'll have 2 spare Comms guy bits from my box of incursors, so I might end up with both in the unit then tell my opponent which I'm using his as on that game. Or maybe the Comms backpack and medic arm on the same model as a "specialist"

[Majkhel]

Nice idea. I'm still working out how I want to organise my infiltrators - I don't see how to do it without a spare model. I'll have 2 spare Comms guy bits from my box of incursors, so I might end up with both in the unit then tell my opponent which I'm using his as on that game. Or maybe the Comms backpack and medic arm on the same model as a "specialist"

Spare model it is for me. I want the Helix Adept separate as I really want to make him visibly different due to the fact that he is in fact part of the Sanguinary Priesthood. Even if only on an initiate (adept) level, he is a part a very esteemed group within a the Chapter.

As for the Comms guys, I will be more lenient - my plan is to distribute the comms parts - one guy is getting the helmet and arm-device, the other (the comms guy from the Vanguard monopse set) will get the backpack dish-antenna to go along with his already considerable amount of antennas.

Some slow progress on my part - 4 out of 6 guys from the first squad got their 2nd highlight on armor (one more step to follow). I'm also looking for ways to paint glass vials while waiting for my Mephiston to arrive (this week hopefully). Started with the bigger vials on the backpack. and I went for black-bluish color for the empty part of canisters. I will try the white-greys on the narthecium ones.

What do you guys think?

Admittedly the backpack is still a little messy in some places - I didn't properly cleaned it from previous paintjob and it shows now :/

I also copied the esteemed LutherMax's idea of an orange Aid Bag. I absolutely loved it, when I saw it on his Raptors' Helix Adept (link)

[SnorriSnorrison]

Looking great! I especially like the glass and liquid effect you’ve pulled off on the Helix adept’s backpack. Care to elaborate the steps for making that?

[Majkhel]

Looking great! I especially like the glass and liquid effect you’ve pulled off on the Helix adept’s backpack. Care to elaborate the steps for making that?

Glad you're liking it! :)

The basecoat was white as initially I wanted to paint the cylinders in greys and whites. But I've changed my mind, cause the vials are close to the big mass of the backpack so I thought they will not be as "clear" in their transparency.

 

So the first step was covering whole cylinder(s) with a mix of black and blue, say 2 to 1. You could also go with pure black, but I myself recently rarely use pure black and pure white as they rarely appear in real life. Then I would highlight the top gradually adding some white to the mix. I only made 2 highlight layers that way. Working under a lamp, shows clearly where the light gathers naturally, so you just need to follow it.

 

Next step is painting the liquid. A decision is needed how full/empty the tubes will be. First I painted a dark green over the whole liquid area and then highlighted it (with yellow for me) toward the middle, leaving the darkest color on the edges. Final thing is using the brightest highlight color (and it needs to be significantly brighter) to mark the surface of the liquid with a very fine line. If it comes out too broad, then you can always correct it from either side with black-blue or dark green respectively. This brightest color can also be used to mark bubbles inside the liquid. This only works if the canister is big enough, otherwise they tend to get lost in the highlight of the liquid. I then washed both cylinders with a mix of Nuln Oil and green to deepen the shadows between them and at the bottom. 

 

Final touch was using almost pure white to mark a small dot on the top of the highlighted canister and to draw a line along almost whole side, suggesting light catching on the glass surface. If there would be any edges, they would also require marking in this way.

 

I also heard about using gloss varnish as a last step (both after or substituting the white highlight) but I don't have one atm.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Your Primaris Apothecary is very detailed. I applaud your painting skills, and hope to see the completed model soon.

[SnorriSnorrison]

Thanks, dude. I was recently painting up my Sang Priest using a similar method, but I was only eyeballing it and the result was okay. Yours looks better! Well done, can’t wait to see them finished!

[Majkhel]

First MSU of Infiltrators with the Helix Adept finished :)
Transfers were still wet when I took the pictures.

I've decided to assign them into the 4th battle line squad of the 5th.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Good job on the Infiltrators.

[Majkhel]

I'm planning to join a paired tournament in a few weeks. The idea is that I will get a 1050pts to complement my partner's Dark Angels. My plan so far is to have a battalion and a SG blob. To this end, I started to sort out my Sanguinary Guard.
Some were in parts, some I acquired assembled. My plan for now is to field 3xFist, 1xAxe (unless I find another right Fist), 4xGlaives.
I magnetized Fists. Here is progress so far:



That last guy was an Ancient with a broken blade. I cut and rotated his banner-holding arm, so now he is gangsta-style shooting. His missing blade got replaced with a LEGO samurai sword

Edited January 15, 2020 by Majkhel

[Father Mapple]

They have good positioning and posturing. Are there enough 1 handed Glaive Encarmines to swap the fists for? I remember most of them being 2 handed. 

[Majkhel]

Thanks! :)

I believe that there are 2x one-hand-held glaives (swords) and 1x one-hand-held axe in a box. Not sure, cause I have a mix of 2 boxes plus some random guys I bought.

The main problem is that there is only one fist per box. DC box also has one right fist as do the Vanguard Veterans sprue. I don't remember where did I get that right pointing fist though.

[Leonaides]

Assault squad or devastators I think.

 

Edit: yep, the old assault marines kit before they added thunder hammer and evicerators to it.

Edited January 7, 2020 by Leonaides

[Majkhel]

Thanks Leo! That's the one. So good to have the Community back-up memory :)

Cheers!

[Leonaides]

Unfortunately they don't produce it any more as the new kit has a different fist.

[Majkhel]

In preparation for the upcoming paired tourny, I got a 1050pts battle Yesterday against my turney partner's Tau list. Th idea was to test and get to know each other better. Our lists were more or less exact opposites as they would be complementing each other in the future.
Sorry for no pictures taken.

 

My list

++Battalion:
HQ:

-Smash Captain (TH,SS, JP - Angel's Wing relic, Warlord - Gift of Foresight)
-Chaplain Dreadnought (Twin lascanon)

 

Troops:

-5x Intercessors (ABR, AGL, CS on the Sarge)

-5x Scouts (Bolters, SB+CS on the Sarge)

-5x Scouts (Bolters, CS on the Sarge)

 

++Vanguard detachment

HQ:

-Astorath (Exhortation of Rage, Canticle of Hate)

 

Elites:

-Company Ancient (JP-Legends, Bolter, SoS relic)

-8x DC (JP, Bolter+CS)

-7x SG (4x fist, 3x swords, all Angelus boltguns, Death masks)

 

7CP
3+5+1 =9
-1 Armory of Baal
-1 DVoS on the Captain
= 7

His list (roughly):

HQ: Shadowsun, Cadre Fireblade

3x 5-man Firewarriors team (at least one had shas'ui with a markerlight

3 units of shield drones, I don't remember their total number

2x Riptide battlesuits (Heavy burst canons, SMS, not sure on the choice of the support systems, but at least one Early Warning System)

We played the mission with the rules for the tourney: 6 objective markers on the board plus Tactical objectives excluding faction objectives. We had 3 active Tactical objectives active with 2 covered. Whenever a TO was completed, we could generate new ones from the pile so that the total number of those active and covered equalled 5 (3+2). We could then choose active TOs from the covered pile. During the tourney both of us wold be having a single deck of TOs

Deployment was Dawn of War. I got to deploy and move first.
We each had 2 objectives in our DZs, one was directly in the middle of the board on a big fortification piece, one was also in the middle section, but further to my right. There was plenty of high LoS-blocking terrain on the board.

 

My deployment:
Not knowing where he would deploy, I set up my scouts forward on both middle-field objectives in cover DC were hidden on my left flank, SG on my right flank next to an objective marker. Intercessors were in the middle with Ancient, Captain and Astorath on their heels. Chaplain Dread was several inches behind them on another objective and in cover but with some lanes of fire available.

 

His deployment:
He deployed his firewarriors in a straight line from the centre to my left flank, controlling 2 objective markers in his DZ. One squad was in cover on a rooftop of a building. Cadre Fireblade and Shadowsun were on that same rooftp, with Riptides behind it and drones deployed generally all over the place.

 

He failed to seize.

 

Turn 1

I FF the DC (-2CP) forward towards the firewarriors on my left and controlling one of the objectives. Astorath failed both Litanies.

 

Movement:
I UWoF-ed SG (-2CP) behind cover of fortification in the middle of the board (with the objective on it being held by scouts). I didn't dare coming any closer due to EWS on the Riptides. Smash Captain joined them with Advance move. DC moved to the cover of ruins and within 4 inches from the firewarriors holding one of the objectives. Intercessors advanced forward with Astorath still behind them and Ancient advancing to cover both Intercessors and scouts on the fortification with his aura. Chaplain Dreadnought moved forward to get a better line of sight. Scouts on the right flank stayed put behind cover as I got a TO to defend their objective for 2 consecutive turns.

 

I directed my shooting (DC, 1 Scout squad and Intercessors) against Firewarriors. Chaplain Dread shot one drone down. My opponent chose to cover them with drones as well. So result was 3 firewarriors and I think 4 drones dead.

DC declared charge against firewarriors. I was lucky with the overwatch as markerlights missed and I only lost one guy to combined Tau overwatch. Charge was made and remaining 4 firewarriors were promptly cut to ribbons. In retrospect I should have perhaps shown restraint and opt to fight with only one guy to be able wrap them and thus protect my DC. I touched a riptide and a drone with them in consolidation move.
I think one drone died to a failed morale test

 

In reply opponent promptly withdrew from combat with the DC and made some minor movements with the firewarriors. Riptides overcharged and shooting phase saw my DC blown off the board, 2 scouts from the middle objective and 1 Intercessor dead (Thank you SoS! One scout and the Intercessor managed to shoot back upon dying as well and each took a firewarrior with them).

 

I scored First Blood, and points for controlling any 3 objectives (middle, middle right and one in my DZ)

I was not checking my opponents progress with VPs, so I can only tell he definitely got First Blood.

I was down to 3 CPs

 

Turn 2

Moved to the Tactical doctrine. Astorath managed to cast only Exhortation of Rage  
I moved Intercessors forward without advancing. SG and Smash Captain jumped forward. Astorath advanced to provide buffs and Ancient moved forward as well exposing Intercessors, but covering the assault units with his aura instead. I think the scouts were still covered as well. Scouts on the far right shuffled a little exposing 4 of their number from cover but gaining some LoS to the closes firewarriors (now depleted to 3) and keeping their hold on the objective marker. Chaplain Dread moved again as I would be scoring a VP for not having any units in my DZ.

 

Shooting saw 4 firewarriors dead along with some drones trying to cover them to combined bolter shooting and a grenade from the Smash Captain (one firewarrior unit destroyed, 2 man squad remained to screen Shadowsun and Cadre Fireblade). Chaplain Dread shot a riptide but a drone saved him of course. 

 

Smash Captain declared a charge against drones shadowsun and a Riptide, but due to difference in heights (Shadowsun was on a rooftop) was able to only touch the Riptide. SG whiffed their charge roll (1+2) and took a wound for their troubles from the overwatch. Astorath stayed put as he was advancing.

 

Smash Captain got 2 additional attacks from Red Rampage and then got all his attacks blocked by drones and invuls... I didn't have CPS for Honour the Chapter and frankly speaking even if I had, I would be reluctant to use them then.

 

My opponent overcharged, left combat and moved both Riptides and most of the drones behind the building. They were still within 6 inches of the Shadowsun, who stayed put along with Cadre Fireblade and 2 remaining firewarriors. He then shot the Captain to oblivion, which took him a little more effort because he was unable to put marker lights on him, but I still whiffed all my FnP saves :/ Astorath also got a wound (he had SoS protection), and 2 Intercessors died as well. 

 

I scored for not having any units in my DZ and for defending an objective for 2 consecutive turns
He scored for Slay the Warlord and for killing a unit with FLY I think
I got 2 CP left

 

 

Turn 3

Forgot to switch to the Assault doctrine. Astorath recited both Canticle of Hate and Exhortation of Rage.

SG and Astorath moved to the side of the building with Shadowsun on top which put them out of LoS (  ). Intercessors again moved closer to the building, Scouts on the middle objective stayed put and scouts on the right advanced to join them on the rooftop. Chaplain dread for once stayed put as well.

 

Shooting managed to kill both remaining firewarriors and a few drones. I think 2 or 3 wounds were also placed on one of the Riptides as it went down on it's damage table. 

 

SG charged both Shadowsun and Cadre Fireblade, but unfortunately I positioned them badly I haven't left place for Astorath to join them in combat :/ This also left them outside his aura I think. I was still able to wrap both my targets and directed all my attacks against Shadowsun who I just managed to kill along with her surviving drones. Cadre Fireblade's attackes bounced off SG's armor and not having a FLY keyword, he remained in their custody.

 

Riptides stayed put and overcharged again (so frustrating that most of damage they were getting were from that overcharging rather than my actions!). His shooting killed my depleted scouts and put a wound on the Intercessors and 2 on Astorath.

In the fighting phase Cadre Fireblade did nothing and was crushed in response.

 

I scored for Slaying the Warlord (twice as I got a TO to kill her), for killing a unit with FLY and killing a character.

I'm not sure if he scored anything.

2 CP left

 

 

Turn 4

For some reason I decided it would be better to stay in the Tactical doctrine   Astorath managed to recite Canticle of Hate.

 

Forgot to chant MoD

In the movement phase, I moved the SG from the cleared rooftop behind the building and out of LoS again. Astorath joined them in cover. Remaining 2 Intercessors also shuffled towards that building to provide covering fire, and Ancient joined them to provide his aura. Scouts on the rooftop of the middle fortification moved also to get in range.

 

I thnik shooting managed to only drop another few drones. My Chaplain dread whiffed it's shots despite a CP re-roll.

 

Both SG and Astorath successfully charged the closest Riptide from behind LoS-blocking cover, but they only managed to bring him down to 4 wounds. Only 2 drones were left after that (in 2 units, one in each) as one also died to to a failed morale test due to Death Masks. I think I spent my last command point trying to re-roll one of the hits here. Riptide did no damage in return. 

 

My opponent spent a CP to restore the damaged Riptide to full operating potential on the damage table. Riptides overcharged to get a 3+ Invul and one tried to distribute MW to both SG and Astorath but thankfully didn't manged it. He then left combat and shot Astorath to death. 1 Intercessor and 1 SG also died and another one was wounded. Again - thank you SoS, it would have been much worse without you.

 

I scored for causing a failed morale test, for no enemy units present within 12" from the board's centre and for having units in enemy's DZ 

Don't know what my opponent scored. I think Assasinate, so for killing Astorath.

No CP left

 

 

Turn 5

Decided to stay in the Tactical doctrine. The Riptides were now in the open and I would not be able to pull another charge form outside the LoS. And the damaged one would still be shooting at full potential during my turn. Not wanting to brave his combined overwatch with my remaining 6 SGs, I decided it will now be a game of manoeuvres and shooting.

 

I drew a TO telling me to capture Objective right under the building where the Shadowsun used to be.

My valiant remaining Intercessor sergeant promptly got a 5 on an advance roll and managed to run to it all right. He was also effectively out of sight, but SMS would still be able to target him.

SG moved out of sight to potentially prepare a trap. Ancient joined them as it was imperative that they survive, being my main threat unit. Scouts and Chaplain dread stayed put.

 

In the shooting phase, scouts managed to bring down one of the drones, which netted me point for killing a unit with shooting this turn. Chaplain dread's shots were denied by the remaining drones and invulnerable saves.

 

He moved away from the Chaplain Dread and directed his shooting at scouts and the lone Intercessor Sergeant, who managed to shrug-off all damage. 3 Scouts died.

 

I scored for killing a full unit and for claiming the assigned objective.

 

A roll decided that there would be no Turn 6

 

Final count netted me 16VP from completed Objectives+First Blood, Slay the Warlord and Siegebraker. I also killed more of his units (7-4) which will count during the tournament. He had 8VPs+First Blood and Slay the Warlord

 

 

Overall the list played well. But it has some 'buts':

- Captain - solid. He was unlucky and his opponents were nasty, but still solid. I made him Warlord for this game, but will probably switch that role to the Ancient for the tournament. Remembered to throw a grenade with him
- Chaplain Dreadnought - he is a hit-or-miss unit for me. With lascanons he is pricey and small number of shots means he effectively manages to put one through and may whiff altogether just as well. He would really use the Recitation of Focus or Catechism of Fire. As a single unit firebase, he is not enough on his own. True, Tau are a bad target for any AT shots. I believe Sanguinor would provide better output in this list. Or a Librarian or even Librarian Dreadnought (although this is a unit that doesn't like nasty overwatches like Tau or Ultramarines)

- Astorath - great unit, need to remember his rules though. When he had 3 Litanies, we were too spoiled for choices. Canticle of Hate is definitely a first go-to Litany. For the second, I'm torn. Although Exhortation of Rage did went off during this battle, it had 0 effect. I'm thinking on taking Mantra of Strength next time 

- Scouts - did their job. Scored objectives and plinked off screens

- Intercessors - did their job. Survived, provided screen for characters and dished out a massive amount of shots each turn. Also remember that AGL is 30", not 24" Still thinking if it wouldn't be better to switch them for CC scouts for more T1 pressure and invest more points in DC/SG

- Company Ancient - so bad that JP was moved to Legends He costs more than Sanguinary Ancient now because of that but his banner is better for me. SoS is a must.

- DC - did their job - applied T1 pressure and cleared a bit of screens. Although I should definitely be more gentle with them and think on how to keep them safe = locked in combat

- SG - great unit! However they need all the attacks they can get. Will be keeping them and probably expanding if points allow

 

Congratulations if you manged to read all this!

Edited January 9, 2020 by Majkhel

[Majkhel]

Finally gathered my courage and started using SGs on the fields of battle. I will be taking them to the Tourney in 2 weeks and I really don't want to bring too much grey plastic, when they can have glorious gold and red on them. I've decided to do them one by one to test my paints and develop results that will suit me. Gonna start with those I bought already assembled with some paint on them. I also consider this a warm-up before the ETL.

So here goes: number one, the LEGO sword ex-Ancient WIP

It was always busy in the strategium of the 12th Host aboard the 'Chalice'. Tasked with foraging far ahead of the advance of the Imperium Nihilus' forces by the most honoured Lord Commander Dante, Lord of the Angelic Hosts and Regent of the Imperium Nihilus, the small strike force was effectively on a never-ending crusade, bringing slivers of Emperor's light to everywhere it was needed. And it was needed everywhere as never before since the dark times of the Heresy.

Mandos was young for his golden armor according to the Blood Angels traditions. But then so was everyone else wearing those suits and wings in the Chapters of the Blood. Much has changed after the Devastation. He was perfectly aware of the significance of the honour he has been given along with the responsibilities it carried. He accepted both with humility and determination. Mandos would not let his gene-Father down.

He approached the serf that has just communicated the need for Sanguinary Guard's attention and listened to the human's crisp report assimilating the data and devising possible response plans with inhuman speed.

Voltronus system. So far have they foraged though the tumultuous stars. It mattered not. What mattered was that Imperium needed them once again. And so there was no real choice at all.
- Inform the Commander of the Host - he told the human serf. - I will go.

+++++++

I, MAJKHEL of the Blood Angels, embark on the 12 Months of Hobby Challenge, and for the month of JANUARY pledge to complete 1 Sanguinary Guard to the defence of the IMPERIUM Faction by month's end.

Edited January 10, 2020 by Majkhel

[Majkhel]

So the first Sanguinary Guard is complete.

I might have spent more time on him if he were a captain, but for a first try, I'm happy with him.
The wings especially gave me pain. I need to be able to burn through those fairly quickly as there are multiple sets of those. On the other hand, they need attention to look good. I've settled for 1-2 thin basecoat layers, 2 shades and 2 highligths.

Following up with another member of the Golden Host

Strike.
Strike.

Short burst from the Angelus. No time to reload. Sidestep and strike.
Jump pack ignites and launches him through the air toward another foe. Strike
Strike.
How long has it been?
A sudden crackle of vox in his ear and a voice from far away.
- Mandos. Brother. I heard your call. I'm coming.

I, MAJKHEL of the Blood Angels, embark on the 12 Months of Hobby Challenge, and for the month of JANUARY pledge for the second time to complete 1 Sanguinary Guard to the defence of the IMPERIUM Faction by month's end.

Edited January 12, 2020 by Majkhel

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Excellent work on the Sanguinary Guard member.

[Majkhel]

And another one down.

My second SG has been completed.

I still have 4 more SG with some initial paintjob on them - 2 with swords and 2 with axes. Most probably I will pick the sword guys first as I don't run axes at the moment. After that it's either the Ancient or I will get back to the Infiltrators if I get tired of gold. Edited January 15, 2020 by Majkhel

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Excellent work.

[Majkhel]

Thanks Bjorn
Got a game against DG and lost soundly. It one of those game when dice gods are against you. Mortarion just tanked everything (for exmple 16 power fist attacks hitting on 3's and wounding on 2's managed to push only 6 damage through...).

In the meantime on my desk 2 sets of wings are drying after a wash and I decided to build something. And so Suppressors came about.

I will be modelling them on the ground with some terrain. The guys on the left got their right leg cut off and repositioned. I will be filling the gaps with GS in a while. Sergeant will keep his pose for now.

I've also added box magazines to their autocanons. While I love belt-fed guns, Suppressors' backpacks lack proper storage for the ammo to validate them in my opinion.
Box magazines are from Inceptors' Assault Bolters (spares after building plasma). Also drilled the barrels.

Edited January 18, 2020 by Majkhel

[Majkhel]

I noticed I started jumping a little between projects lately All the more reason to be glad have completed another 2 Sanguinary Guards

That gives me a full MSU squad painted, yay! :)

Next in line is an Inquisitor I need for the tuorney, but he still needs some prep work

I, MAJKHEL of the Blood Angels, embark on the 12 Months of Hobby Challenge, and for the month of JANUARY pledge for the fourth time to complete 1 Inquisitor to the defence of the IMPERIUM Faction by month's end.

In the meantime I started preparing bases for the Suppressors using some leftover pieces from the Sicaran sprue

Edited January 22, 2020 by Majkhel

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Excellent work on the Sanguinary Guard.